Question

How can I get my baby's caregiver to practice better hygiene?

Share

My baby's home daycare provider is sweet and loving and her home would seem neat and clean if it weren't for the grubby toys she gives the children. They make me wonder how often she washes the blankets and sheets used during naptime, too. My son has had several colds since he's been there and although I realize these are good for his developing immune system, I wish his caregiver would improve her basic hygiene. How can I broach the subject without offending her?

Mom Answers

I work for a doctor and I know that bacteria and viruses can live for a time on inanimate objects.
As an example, we have had several patients catch one particular skin virus from toilets seats etc.
My day care cleans toys, bedding and play mats daily. Which is nice but i an sure she still gets her share of the other babies bacteria and germs.
Maybe you could ask her advice on how often you should clean babies toys. Thats will give you an idea how often she does it. Then maybe offer up info you have read or been told by others.
Or you could just come right out and say it. Some people really do value honesty.

I completely understand your situation. My son just turned 1, and we have a neighbor watch him when I need a close sitter. (I'm usually a stay-at-home Mom, but I sub for the local schools.) Their house is absolutely filthy. They have two dogs, one that is really fluffy, and one that is really old, so there is always dog hair everywhere and the house absolutley REEKS because they rarely give the dogs baths. They also have three kids of their own, all of which have either a physical or mental handicap. They are also trying to sell their house right now, but the realtor flat out told them that their house smells, but they said the deodorizers she gave them "smelled too clean." I thought "Dear God - How in the world can something smell "too clean"?!?!?" They have been in that house for more than six years and the carpet has NEVER been cleaned. (It's crunchy, for crying out loud), and I've offered the use of my carpet cleaner - even said I'd come do it, but it's still just as nasty as it was before. My biggest dilema is that I have NO ONE else to watch him. The daycares atound here are ridiculously expensive (range from $135-$165/week for an infant) and I can't get the kind of flexiblity I need out of a structured daycare. It sucks!
I'm not a clean freak - that would be my MIL - but my house is kept in order and my sons things are cleaned regularly. Hopefully, you can find someone close that you can trust to care for your child in a clean environment.

As an in-home provider, I know that providing a clean, healty environment needs to be a huge priority. If a provider isn't taking proper care of her daycare environment then you need to question her ability to care for your child. Your child's health is too important!

have you thought about having a care giver come to your house? My baby was born premature so I was even more wary of sending him to a day care where he could pick up germs from other children more easily. By having someone come to the house to stay with him he is in a familiar environment where it is easier to keep to his routine, I know it's safe and I know it's clean. If money is an issue then maybe consider doing it with a friend and have her drop off her child to your house.

First let me say, the childs health is a priority in all home daycares I know of. I am a provider and I must say I think people really over react. As a rule nap bedding is used by the same child all week and gets washed weekly. Toys get washed as needed - sometimes several times in one day (kids can really make things yuckie fast). If your child is getting colds - well, it's that time of year. Chances are your child touched the shopping cart at the store and then put his hand in his mouth - they NEVER wash the carts. Fact of the matter is, there is more of a problem with parents bringing their child to daycare when they have that runny nose and are sick (and contagious) than there is the clenliness of a providers home. Between all the programs we belong to, we get inspected at least 10 times a year. We work AT LEAST 20 hours outside of "open hours". Rarely we get a thank you, and often it is pointed out that we didn't vacume soon enough. Really - maybe you would be better suited for a daycare center. It sounds like you are looking for more of an "institutional" setting instead of a home.

your baby could be getting colds from touching "grungy" toys.but your boy can just as easily be getting colds elsewhere.just ask her how often shes cleaning these items.is everything else clean in her house?just take a look around.if your not happy,send baby boy somewhere else.but really any day care (or whereever for that matter)are gonna be covered in germs.just help and teach your son to wash his hands.and start teaching him to not put tings in his mouth.good luck!

I'm a homedaycare provider, I clean constantly, anything that goes into a childs mouth gets washed down immediately (we try to give teething infants their own toys) At least weekly everthing gets washed regardless of use, big toys get scrubbed little toys disenfected etc, we also have a cleaning company come in do the house weekly, its tough trying to keep stuff clean. The biggest thing is the wear n tear on the toys cause of the constant washing. So that toy that is missing its spots or the color is worn off is from constant cleaning, but yet the look old and grubby cause of it.

do what i did talk to them let them know how you do your things at home, say you wont take your child there if they can't improve, do not quit your job, you need your time to do something for yourself. good luck

This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

This site is published by BabyCenter, L.L.C., which is responsible for its contents as further described and qualified in the Terms of Use.